November 06, 2020
Starting in 2021, Volvo Trucks will open ordering for a complete line-up of electric trucks, up to 44 tons, and depending on the battery pack with a range up to 300 km. Volvo is currently conducting tests with the FH, FM, and FMX trucks, meant for regional transport and ‘urban construction operations’ in Europe. Serial […]
November 06, 2020
In the third quarter of 2020, almost one in ten passenger cars (9,9%) sold in the EU was a pure electric or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, compared to 3,0% during the same period last year. This is according to the most recent figures published by ACEA, the European car manufacturers association. During this same period, […]
November 05, 2020
Even though the third quarter’s financial results are good, BMW Group keeps its less rosy forecast for the whole year. It fears that the second wave of the pandemic will negatively impact the last quarter and in 2021. Meanwhile, the Group accelerates, even more, its electrification. “The new (partial) lockdown can have a severe impact […]
November 05, 2020
After Lime and Dott, the Santa Monica-based US micro-mobility company, Bird, becomes the third e-scooter distributor in the Belgian capital. The launch happened earlier this week. During the first two weeks of operations in Brussels, Bird offers rides with their dockless e-scooters for just 1 euro (up to 15 minutes each). Bird’s e-steps were already […]
November 05, 2020
The Volkswagen Group and the Greek island Astypalea are going to create a trail-blazing mobility system. The existing system will switch to electric vehicles and renewable energy generation. It will transform Astypalea into a model island for climate-neutral mobility. The project will run over a period of six years. On Wednesday, November 4th, a declaration […]
November 05, 2020
On November 9th, Uber will start its taxi service in Flanders. The American cab company announced this on Wednesday. Until now, Uber has only been active in Belgium in Brussels and at Zaventem airport. Via the app, you can now order an UberX throughout Flanders, with the highest availability in Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven. The […]
November 04, 2020
Many car manufacturers are trying online sales. Apart from certain brands, like Tesla, this hasn’t been a big success yet. But the venue of several new brands and the corona pandemic may see this change. For the moment, internet sales are booming. The question is, will it stay like that when things are getting normal […]
November 04, 2020
The arrival of the long-awaited fully electric Volkswagen ID.3, ‘the Golf of the future’, was postponed several times. But now that it is on the market, it could become the symbol of the energy transition. On Tuesday, we commented on the ID.3’s strong performance in the Netherlands. Today, we see that the first dedicated electric […]
November 03, 2020
Nissan plans to sell only electric and hybrid cars in China from 2025 onward. The decision is undoubtedly inspired by the planned ban on cars’ registration with internal combustion engines (ICE) in China from 2035. According to the Japanese business newspaper Nikkei, Nissan plans to sell nine electrified models in China by 2025. It will, […]
November 03, 2020
Hardly one out of four Flemish citizens has enough knowledge about traffic regulation for bicycles to pass an exam. Especially youngsters between 18 and 25 do badly: hardly 14% pass the exam, as was shown after an online bicycle test by mobility organization VAB. The bicycle is getting more and more popular in traffic so […]
November 03, 2020
In October, the best-selling car in the Netherlands was the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3. Last month, the ID.3 launch model represented just by itself more than 8% of the market. Slightly more than all the other VW models together. Nevertheless, the ID.3 helped Volkswagen be the car market leader, with some 16% of total sales. […]
November 02, 2020
Apparently, the problems the Chinese Geely Volvo daughter encountered with its full electric Polestar 2 are more serious than initially assessed. Polestar now announced a recall to replace defective inverters and HVCH heaters in 4 586 cars already delivered to customers. That’s a more drastic operation than a pure software update Polestar initially thought would […]
November 02, 2020
A few weeks ago, we mentioned battery problems for three different manufacturers. One of them was Ford, which had to recall many recent Kuga PHEV cars. Just now, Ford has found the cause and recalls all Kuga PHEVs (some 33 000) in Europe. At first, it was thought that the issue only extended to models […]
October 30, 2020
For the first time in European history, registrations of new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars (25,3%) have surpassed those of diesel cars (24,8%) in September 2020. The data and analysis from JATO Dynamics also show that some 327 800 electrified cars were sold in September alone, representing a 139% growth compared to the same […]
October 30, 2020
Since its introduction four months ago, the Flemish tram-bus on the Ring trajectory between Brussels Airport and the AZ Jette (hospital) has already transported 100 000 passengers. And this despite the corona pandemic. Drivers and travelers are satisfied with the comfort and the punctuality of the hybrid bus. The so-called ‘tram-bus’ on the northern part […]
October 30, 2020
The BMW Group has worked out its new strategy regarding its Mini daughter. The plans are a fully electrified model portfolio by 2024, but the brand will continue to offer combustion engines until 2030. In the German publication WirtschaftsWoche, Mini brand boss Bernd Körber said: “Mini will probably be completely electric earlier than most other […]
October 29, 2020
A new report by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows that despite strong growth, the available charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the EU still falls far below what is needed and remains unevenly distributed across member states. ACEA published the second edition of ‘Making the Transition to Zero-Emission Mobility’, an annual study that […]
October 29, 2020
A few weeks ago, we announced that the Chinese manufacturers were sneaking in on the Belgian market. One of the new importers, OneAutomotive, has communicated about their plans and future model portfolio. Not only the car manufacturers are suffering lately, but also the distribution sector is under severe pressure. Online purchase is on the rise; […]
October 29, 2020
There will be brought in 210 additional private buses in Flanders to relieve public transport during school rush hours. That is what Flemish Minister for Mobility, Lydia Peeters (Open Vld), announced. In September, the Minister already said to be willing to reserve 12,5 million euros to provide 300 private buses. Today, there are 210 private […]
October 28, 2020
The smoker’s posts on the platforms of train stations in the Netherlands will be transformed into charging points for e-bikes. The Dutch ProRail is planning to rebuild its train stations circularly. “By transforming those smoker’s posts, we hope to stimulate more people to use the e-bike,” says Willem van Ewijk of ProRail. The Amsterdam-based Lightwell […]
October 27, 2020
A week ago, the Calfornia-based ‘eco-carmaker’ Fisker Inc. announced that Canadian contract manufacturer Magna would build its first car (out of four), the Ocean SUV, in Austrian Graz. Today, the company announced that the Ocean’s production version would have its world première at the 2021 Los Angeles Motorshow (May 21-31) in the LA Convention Center. […]
October 27, 2020
The export of old and polluting cars from Western countries is a threat to the countries of destination. Most of those cars end up in developing countries. That is what a report by the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) states. According to the report, 14 million old cars were exported between 2015 and 2018. Almost half […]
October 27, 2020
The fusion between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group will probably get the green light from Europe. Under its umbrella name Stellantis, the new Group will have its headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. According to Reuters and Bloomberg, the European Commission will give its go for the fusion because of some car manufacturers’ concessions […]
October 27, 2020
Despite the corona crisis, Brussels Airport will still offer flights to 120 destinations this winter (from October 25th till March 25th). Last year, there were more than 200 in the same period. Almost half of those flights (50 destinations) will be made by home carrier Brussels Airlines, while TUI will fly toward 30 destinations. Apart […]
October 27, 2020
The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has become the most popular sort of vehicle in the world. Nevertheless, the criticism is increasing as well: too big, too heavy, too polluting, too intimidating, too… What to think about this split? Until now, the market stays predominantly insensitive to these critics. The SUV represented one fifth (20,9%) of […]
October 26, 2020
Fiat has introduced a new version of its electric 500 – the Fiat New 500 3+1, which is characterized by an additional door on the passenger side, hinged in the opposite direction. Thus, the New 500 3+1 is designed to make access to the second row of seats easier – whether for passengers or if […]
October 26, 2020
There are already several smart mobility apps available to help you find your way around the mobility offer. And companies can hire or recruit a mobility manager, someone who offers help within the company to develop a real strategy around mobility and ensure a good follow-up and evaluation. For those who can no longer disentangle […]
October 26, 2020
In its latest Mobility Observatory, automotive leasing specialist Arval has investigated the total cost of ownership of EVs in France compared to their conventional and hybrid alternatives. It turns out that, in many cases, the Government’s tax system exempting EVs from company car taxes, and the purchase bonus help tip the balance toward the electric […]
October 23, 2020
Three Antwerp organizations – mobility organization Bycykel, thrift store Kringwinkel, and building material company Ecomat/Circomat – have invested in seven electric cargo bikes and accompanying trailers. Other companies and people living in the neighborhood can borrow those vehicles. The city of Antwerp supports the initiative. “The city wants to support entrepreneurs who offer solutions for […]
October 23, 2020
Five highway parking lots along the E17 between Ghent and Courtrai will be equipped with road signs informing truck drivers about the occupation rate. This way, they can choose a more quiet place to get some sleep. Flemish Minister for Mobility, Lydia Peeters (Open Vld), hopes the measure will better spread the number of trucks […]
October 23, 2020
According to the Swiss bank UBS, the expected battery cost will drop under the ‘magic’ barrier of $100 per kWh by 2022. This will trigger a faster switch to electric vehicles than previously expected. Undoubtedly it will also cause a relentless fight for the production of the heart of an electric car, the battery. Matthias […]
October 22, 2020
Auto 5, Belgian brand of the French Mobivia (Norauto) group, an expert in equipment and maintenance of cars, will unveil a new service in a few days: leasing for private individuals, aged 23 years old minimum. “The public we are primarily targeting are people who are used to driving second-hand cars and who need to […]
October 22, 2020
General Motors has just launched a fully-electric Hummer pickup truck. The GMC Hummer EV is scheduled to go into production in the fall of 2021. Different versions are planned, but the first will be the Hummer EV Edition 1 with three electric motors. Hummer saw the light as the Humvee (for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled […]
October 22, 2020
Until now, most EV users know perfectly well what their electrical range is. But most of them are not so well informed about how much they charge, how much this costs, and how much they can recuperate tax-wise. App developer Appwise and two innovating entrepreneurs, Jeroen Vertongen and Geert Groosman, have now developed an application […]
October 20, 2020
As November approaches, many car users think of changing their tires from summer to winter tires. In contrast to the US, where all-season tires are top-rated, the European customer was no fan yet. This seems to be changing due to the warm winters and the increasing quality of the newest all-season propositions. “Many people choose […]
October 20, 2020
Last week, Renault presented its eVision, or how the former frontrunner of electric mobility wants to play its role again. One of the most important schemes in the new strategy could be the Dacia Spring venue, in fact, a copy of a small, cheap electric car the company is selling in China as the City […]
October 20, 2020
Public transport company, De Lijn, introduces a pilot action: passengers with an annual commutation ticket will get the possibility to put their subscription temporarily on hold. This way, De Lijn wants to offer more flexibility in people’s daily mobility. The twenty-day interval does not come as a surprise. Many subscribers earlier asked for compensation for […]
October 20, 2020
In the third quarter of this year, Tesla has delivered a record number of 139 300 cars, more than the most optimistic analysts had forecasted. On the other hand, unsatisfied Dutch Tesla owners have started a foundation called Stichting Tesla Claim to start a class action against Tesla. They claim that the car’s quality is […]
October 19, 2020
Electric cars tend to be a fairly safe purchase choice. Not only do they have a considerably longer life expectancy than initially thought, but the residual value on the resale is significant as well. And maintenance costs are not too high. Besides, the most expensive component, the battery, turns out to be very solid. “With […]
October 19, 2020
The Canadian contract manufacturer, Magna International, will build Fisker’s fully electric SUV Ocean, as the company announced last week. And it’s going to do that in Europe from 2022 on, in one of its production facilities, likely at the major plant of its daughter Magna Steyr AG in Graz, Austria. California-based ‘eco-carmaker’ Fisker Inc. announced […]
October 16, 2020
On Thursday, the new Renault CEO, Luca de Meo, presented the next generation of electric cars, featuring the Renault Mégane eVision (due in 2022) and the Dacia Spring (on sale next summer). One can see parallels between Renault/Nissan and BMW (in the premium segment). Both were early believers in electric mobility: Nissan and Renault with […]
October 15, 2020
Several players in the dealer service and maintenance sector for cars sound the alarm bell. The electrification of the European car park will cost many jobs in the sector because the maintenance of an electric motor is far less complex. The Dutch organization of dealers and repair shops Bovag confirms: “The maintenance needs of an […]
October 15, 2020
According to the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Science (Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde, VSV), half of all Flemish citizens are not familiar with traffic regulation with regard to new means of traffic, like e-scooters and speed pedelecs. This is the conclusion of a survey of 900 road users aged 16 to 65. They were given a number […]
October 15, 2020
After showing the world in September its ‘nec plus ultra’ version of the Lucid Air Dream Edition offered at $169 000 (€142 974), the Arizona-based electric car start-up has put a price tag on the most down-to-earth version of the Air: $77 400 (€65 255). In the US, with the $7 500 tax bonus, that […]
October 14, 2020
BMW has a problem with the high-voltage batteries in some of its plug-in hybrid vehicles. Due to possible impurities in the battery cells’ production process, there is an increased risk of fire in some circumstances. The total number of plug-in vehicles involved is 26 700 worldwide. One-third of these units are already used by customers; […]
October 14, 2020
The corona crisis pushed us all back into the car. The result? Cities have to swallow more and more car traffic and air pollution than before the crisis. The lockdown in spring had one positive side effect: cities were freed from traffic congestion and could recover. According to data from Brussels Environment, the 62% reduction […]
October 14, 2020
The car rental company Sixt is expanding its new all-in formula ‘Sixt+’ to France. It’s a monthly subscription, including a mileage flat rate, insurance, and all possible registration, repair, and maintenance costs. Sixt already proposed this formula to professional users and individual renters in Germany, the US, the UK, and the Netherlands. No commitment Due […]
October 14, 2020
The number of stolen bikes registered by the Brussels police increased by 27% in the last three years. This means that the action plan to prevent bicycle theft doesn’t have the desired effect. Only 20% of the 15 000 registered bicycles via mybike.brussels came back to the owner of the bike. To counter this, Brussels […]
October 13, 2020
With the announcement that the 99th Brussels Motor Show won’t take place in January 2021, one of the last successful shows won’t be there next year. Is there still a place for a traditional motor show in our rapidly changing society? Ten years ago, the hierarchy was still obvious: there was Geneva. Every year, there […]
October 13, 2020
Punch Powertrain, the manufacturer of gearboxes in Sint-Truiden, will cut two of its three shifts. The decision will take effect as of January 1st. Today, Punch Powertrain still has three shifts – one in the morning, one at night, and one during the day – but as of January, only the day shift will continue […]
October 13, 2020
Drivers of electric vehicles should see which charging points are available and where, how fast they can charge, and what the price is. The Dutch State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Stientje van Veldhoven, wants to change the law and ensure that all providers in the Netherlands will offer real-time information. Those data should […]
October 12, 2020
‘Kilometer insurance’ can be a better option than traditional car insurance, especially in corona times, when the number of kilometers driven is limited. According to the consumer organization, Test Aankoop/Test Achat (TA), this kind of insurance policy is profitable for anyone who doesn’t exceed 15 000 km. Corona Direct (CD) and Yuzzu (former Touring Insurance) […]
October 12, 2020
The Flemish government is changing its car tax scheme on the 1st of January 2021. As a result, 70% of the (lower-priced) vehicles will pay fewer taxes, 30% will pay (a lot) more. This was announced by the Flemish Finance Minister Mathias Diependaele (N-VA). The change results from the new WLTP emission testing, which will […]
October 12, 2020
In Sweden, a housing corporation will soon finish 44 self-supporting apartments. Residents will we totally independent of the network for water, electricity, and heat. “We will show the world that all available ecologic methods can manage it all.” “We’ve searched for existing solutions,” explains Pär Löfstedt of architecture and design bureau Yellon. “Otherwise, it would […]
October 09, 2020
In 2020, more than 3,6 million passenger cars were registered driving around in the Flemish Region or more than 600 000 more than in 2006. According to research by Flanders Statistics (Statistiek Vlaanderen), the number of passenger cars in Flanders increases year after year. The number increased by 20% over the last thirteen years. Remarkable […]
October 09, 2020
Many e-steps sold in Belgium are unsafe and unreliable. This is shown by research from Test-Aankoop. The consumer organization subjected eleven e-steps to a quality test. For a lot of models, the results were downright bad. “A lot of models are best described as rubbish,” says Simon November from Test-Aankoop. European directives The problems are […]
October 09, 2020
The battery joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic, Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, builds up the capacity to produce hybrid vehicles’ batteries. The joint venture is installing a production line for prismatic lithium-ion batteries. The joint venture was launched earlier this year. It now plans a new line in the existing Panasonic factory in the […]
October 08, 2020
Less than a hundred days away from the Brussels Motor Show, the importers federation Febiac, organizer of the event, hasn’t announced yet its final decision about it taking place in January 2021 or not. That is scheduled for next Monday. In the meantime, the situation regarding COVID remains unclear. That’s why a simple, standardized motor […]
October 08, 2020
The die is cast: the controversial Stint can hit the road again in the Netherlands. The Dutch Minister of Infrastructure, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen has finally found a way out of the impasse. Stintum, however, the popular electric cargo cart manufacturer, announced the redundancy of its personnel last week. The company faces bankruptcy. The Stint – […]
October 08, 2020
Compared to last year, the German premium car manufacturer, BMW, sold 8,6% more cars in the third quarter of 2020. The gain is due to the strong recovery of the Chinese market and the fast increasing sales of electrified vehicles. Of course, for the first nine months of the year, the decrease due to the […]
